Helping People Helping Wildlife

Our Vision is to protect threatened species and enable people to help wildlife thrive.

Our Mission is to conserve wildlife, promote wellbeing and educate future generations by inspiring people to be more connected with nature.

Dartmoor Zoo is a 33 acre wildlife park located on the fringes of Dartmoor in Devon and it is home to hundreds of animals – some of which are sadly classed as vulnerable to extinction.   The Zoo was established in 2007 when Benjamin Mee and his family bought the ailing zoo, since then Ben, his family and a dedicated zoo team have built it into the popular visitor attraction it is today. Ben wrote a book about his experience and in 2011 it was made into the Hollywood film ‘ We Bought a Zoo’ starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.

In 2014 the Zoo became a Charity ( Dartmoor Zoological Society) of which Ben is the Chief Executive Officer.     

Today the Zoo is heavily involved in research, conservation and education projects to promote the welfare of animals and to enrich both the lives of humans and animals. At the heart of all Dartmoor Zoo’s activities is conservation. By improving conservation through research and education, the Zoo is finding ways to help protect vulnerable species by investigating ways to protect the environment and by identifying opportunities where humans and nature can interact to create better health and wellbeing.

As well as developing international conservation and research programmes, Dartmoor Zoo provides education, discovery and learning opportunities for thousands of school children, young people, community and disadvantaged groups every year. 

Dartmoor Zoo’s work helps protects endangered species and enriches people’s lives by encouraging engagement with nature and by providing training and educational opportunities.   

Dartmoor Zoological Society’, is a charity  registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under registration number 1158422.